The final figures for militancy-related violence in J-K during 2007 have confirmed the trend seen over the months. The level of fatalities has dipped below 1,000 for the first time since 1990. The figure compiled by the Union Home Ministry stands at 740 — 158 civilians, 110 security personnel and 472 militants from January 1 to December 31, 2007.

The figure for 2006 was 1,131 — 389 civilians, 151 security personnel and 591 militants. In 2003, the state saw 2,603 people dying in militancy-related violence. This included 795 civilians, 1,494 militants and 314 security personnel.

Officials said the situation in 2007 was the result of a combination of factors. Security forces have put the militants under pressure within the state and their supply lines and logistics have been stretched to the limits. According to them, the level of support from across the border has fallen, at least for the time being.

But the relative decline in the level of militant violence has also left the security establishment anxious with apprehensions that militant groups could be planning attacks to show that they could still strike at will. This was all the more plausible since the terror infrastructure was still intact and infiltration had not stopped completely. In fact, groups active in J-K are suspected to be involved in several terror strikes in other parts of the country.

“We are not letting down our guard. The security forces are preparing for the Republic Day celebrations, particularly in Srinagar, which have been targeted by militants in the past,” a senior official said.

... contd.